On October 1st, Council voted to uphold the remedial action order that was passed on August 20, 2019. The order gave the Airport Inn 45 days to issue eviction notices to tenants and to board up windows and fence the property. On September 17th, Council heard from the lawyer for the Airport Inn who petitioned Council to delay the remedial action order for a variety of reasons.
Remedial action will be enforced by the District of Lake Country beginning October 7th, mainly due to safety violations and a lack of an occupancy permit. Lake Country Health Planning Society has diligently worked with residents at the Airport Inn, connecting them to housing programs and subsidies.
“Our team has built relationships with Airport Inn residents and assisted several in finding suitable accommodations locally. Due to a lack of supportive housing and necessary services in Lake Country, our hands are tied. Neither Vernon nor Kelowna are options due to constraints on their resources.” said Corinne Remple, Executive Director of Lake Country Health Planning Society.
The District of Lake Country has done everything possible within the authority of the municipality including facilitated discussion amongst government agencies, communicating the urgent housing needs in Lake Country. “Council now considers the immediate housing needs of the privately-owned Airport Inn residents an emergency and we are working closely with BC Housing and Interior Health to find appropriate housing solutions for individuals impacted, prior to remedial action being implemented.” said District of Lake Country Mayor Baker.